KILL DEVIL HILLS, NC — A Community Reeling After Violence at Avalon Pier Leaves One Dead, One Seriously Injured
KILL DEVIL HILLS, NC — A serene summer afternoon at the picturesque Avalon Pier was shattered by a sudden eruption of violence on Thursday, July 31, 2025, leaving one person dead, another critically injured, and the coastal town of Kill Devil Hills grappling with disbelief and grief.
The incident occurred just before 3:00 p.m., when emergency services received multiple frantic calls reporting gunshots near the pier—one of the town’s most iconic and heavily visited landmarks. What began as a seemingly typical day of sun, surf, and family outings quickly descended into chaos as beachgoers scrambled for safety while law enforcement raced to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers from the Kill Devil Hills Police Department discovered two victims: one individual had sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second victim, gravely wounded, was transported via Dare MedFlight to a regional trauma center. Their current condition remains critical, though authorities report that emergency surgery was performed overnight.
In a press briefing held later that evening, Police Chief Gary Mansfield expressed the community’s sorrow and reassured residents that the incident appears to be isolated and not indicative of an ongoing threat. “This is a heartbreaking day for Kill Devil Hills,” he said. “Our hearts are with the victims and their families, and we are dedicating every resource available to this investigation.”
Although law enforcement has not yet released the names of the victims or confirmed whether a suspect is in custody, multiple witnesses on the pier described a sudden confrontation between several individuals that rapidly escalated. Some beachgoers reported hearing shouting moments before gunfire erupted, followed by screams and a mass exodus from the pier.
Video footage captured by nearby businesses is being reviewed by investigators, and authorities are urging anyone with information or footage to come forward. “Even the smallest detail could help us piece together what happened and bring justice to the families affected,” said Chief Mansfield.
The Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and federal agents have all joined in the probe to ensure a comprehensive and transparent inquiry.
Meanwhile, the Avalon Pier has been temporarily closed as a crime scene and will remain off-limits until further notice. Flowers, candles, and handwritten messages have begun to accumulate near the entrance—an impromptu memorial to the lives disrupted by the violence.
Local residents and vacationers alike have been left shaken. “This place has always felt safe—it’s where we come to relax, to fish, to watch the sunrise,” said Maria Ellison, a local artist whose family has lived in the Outer Banks for three generations. “It’s unthinkable that something like this could happen here.”
Mental health counselors and grief support services have been made available through the town’s emergency response team, especially for witnesses and children present during the incident.
Mayor Ben Sproul released a statement expressing his sorrow: “Kill Devil Hills is a close-knit community, and when one of us suffers, we all do. We will not let violence define our town. We stand united in healing and in seeking answers.”
As the investigation continues, the town remains somber yet resilient. The sea still crashes along the shore, the wind still blows through the dunes, but a shadow now lingers over this corner of the Outer Banks—a reminder that even in places known for beauty and peace, tragedy can strike in an instant.
Authorities have pledged to provide regular updates as new details emerge. For now, the community watches, waits, and mourns—bound together by shock, sorrow, and an unwavering hope for healing.